Pune airport feels the heat! Why are officials struggling to maintain desired temperature within existing terminal?

“The main chilling plant has developed a major fault. We have contacted the Kirloskar Chillers and their team is working on it,” Dhoke said. (Express)

The Pune airport has been struggling to maintain a cool atmosphere within its existing terminal, resulting in criticism from passengers online.

Flyers at Pune International Airport have been enduring oppressive heat over the past few days due to a malfunction in the terminal’s air-conditioning system, The Indian Express reported.

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Pune has been reeling under a heatwave and the city is expected to see a rise in its maximum temperature in the next few days. Amidst this, the flyers have turned to social media to release their frustration about having to face the sweltering conditions. Passengers have also questioned the delay in the new terminal building becoming operational. This terminal, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2024, is still awaiting regulatory approval to commence flight operations.

“No air-conditioners working at Pune Airport in this heat. Probably the first airport I have seen in India using desert coolers which were completely ineffective,” a flyer wrote, adding, “The new terminal building has been ready for six months. It was inaugurated over two months ago. What’s delaying its operationalisation?”

Why is the air-conditioner not working at Pune airport?

In an interaction with The Indian Express, Pune Airport director Santosh Dhoke revealed that the main chilling plant of the centralised air-conditioning system of the terminal in question has developed a major fault. Due to this, Dhoke said, maintaining a desired temperature within the terminal has been a struggle since May 19.

“The main chilling plant has developed a major fault. We have contacted the Kirloskar Chillers and their team is working on it,” Dhoke said.

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He added that while two backup cooling units were functioning, their capacity was not enough to fully combat the summer heat. This resulted in slightly warmer than desired temperatures within the terminal.

“People who walk in from outside feel comfort if the indoor temperature is in the range of 21 to 22 degrees Celsius. The functional chillers, due to low capacity, can lower the temperature down to only 25-26 degrees Celsius. Hence, the visitors may feel some discomfort. We have employed some extra standing coolers and are working to resolve the AC issue as soon as possible. It should be resolved today,” he said.